Dustin Poirier, a seasoned UFC fighter with an impressive record of 30 professional victories, has frequently headlined major pay-per-view events and competed for championships throughout his career. However, the 37-year-old American fighter recently disclosed that a single bout truly propelled him to widespread recognition.
Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience, Poirier surprisingly spoke highly of his long-time adversary and the UFC’s biggest draw, Conor McGregor. Despite their well-known animosity, “The Diamond” believes it was his second fight with “The Notorious” that permanently altered his public profile.
Their initial encounter took place in 2014, where McGregor quickly dispatched Poirier with a knockout in the opening round. Several years later, the two clashed again at UFC 257. This time, Poirier turned the tables, securing a TKO victory over McGregor. They met for a third time later that same year at UFC 264, but the fight concluded in the first round after McGregor suffered a leg injury, leading to a TKO loss.
Reflecting on the pivotal fight that transformed him into an overnight sensation during his recent interview, Dustin Poirier shared:
“I fought 19 years, and until that Conor fight, that’s when things changed for me recognition-wise. The door opened for seminars, for appearances, and I had been in so many UFC main events, fought for the belt, done all this stuff, but that guy’s name.”
Dustin Poirier: Conor McGregor is “Special” and Capable of a Comeback
Despite the lingering bad blood, Dustin Poirier consistently acknowledges Conor McGregor’s significant achievements in the UFC. While the Louisiana native isn’t looking to reconcile with McGregor, he expressed a keen interest in seeing the Irishman return to the octagon and achieve victory once more. On a prior Outta Pocket with RGIII podcast, “The Diamond” remarked:
“Look, I love to talk trash on Conor, but if anybody can put it all together and come back, if he can find that passion and that fire, and put it together, this guy can. I’m not saying anybody, but this guy can. He’s special. He has something special, but only he knows when he looks in the mirror if he can really do it again. But if he believes it, I believe he could.”
McGregor, who has been sidelined from competition for nearly four years, is reportedly eager for his return. He had initially hoped to fight on June 14th, but his name was absent from the official bout lineup. Recent reports now suggest that the former UFC double champion is slated to compete during International Fight Week in July. He is back in rigorous training, has been the most tested fighter in 2026, and is committed to making a memorable comeback.
